Ilena caught up with Pippa Coom about Council's recommendations for the Auckland Light Rail team which Cabinet will consider later this year. They talked about what the options are on the table for light rail, how it differs from heavy rail (such as the city rail link being built in Auckland CBD), and the need for rapid transport options in Auckland.
They also briefly spoke about Auckland Libraries’ and Council’s response to a petition asking for a click and collect system to be put in place. Since the interview, it has indeed been announced that Auckland libraries will be operating a click and collect service from November 2nd.
A new inquiry has recently been opened by the Transport and Infrastructure Committee, asking for submissions on how to improve inter-regional rail in Aotearoa.
The committee is particularly trying to understand how best to implement sustainable practices, and how to revitalise trains between big cities.
This comes after months of campaigning by Save our Trains, an organisation set up after minter-regional rail was minimised and plans to shift the trains to tourist transporters.
To understand what the new inquiry means, Liam spoke to Paul Callister from Save our Trains.
Last week, Transport Minister, Simeon Brown, announced that Auckland’s rail network will close for 96 days, with an additional 53 days where operations will be reduced.
Brown cites multiple reasons for these closures, which are to develop and upgrade Auckland’s rail network.
News and Editorial Director, and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to the National Coordinator of the Public Transport Users Association New Zealand, Jon Reeves, about this announcement, what the association’s thoughts are regarding the matter, and what this will mean for public transport users.
Yesterday, the two major political parties announced new transport policies for Auckland admist much fanfare. Labour are planning to build light rail to the Airport, which will be paid for through a regional fuel tax. National on the other hand are targeting rail electrification and in particular the Papakura to Pukekohe line. To assess the two policies and give a verdict on who has the better policy, reporter Sam Smith spoke to Greater Auckland editor Matt Lowrie.
Both Labour and National released their transport policies in the weekend: Labour has pledged to build light rail from downtown Auckland to the airport within a decade and charge Auckland with a fuel tax, while National has promised to invest $267 million into rail. But New Zealand First says neither of the parties are “hitting the mark”. Ximena chats to Tracey to find out why the solutions aren’t enough and what New Zealand First would do differently.
The National Party have started a petition calling on the government to implement major highway projects.
National’s transport spokesperson Judith Collins has accused the government of being vague and not taking action.
Reuben McLaren spoke to Green MP and Associate Minister for Transport Julie Anne Genter for her take on the whole thing and to find out what the government's plans actually are.
We've lucky enough to have Anthonie Tonnon in the studio ahead of his very exciting upcoming tour, Rail Land. Anthonie chats to Sarah about rediscovering old Rail loops, and creating an experience that is not only magical, but a real journey as well. Chartering trains to extraordinary community venues to play gigs with songs old and new creates what can only be called a magical evening. Get your tickets here, this is a delight that's not to be missed.
KiwiRail recently signed the CEO Climate Change statement despite its plans to replace the current fleet of EF class electric locomotives with DL class diesel trains. Producer Damian Rowe spoke to Rail and Maritime Transport Union general Secretary, Wayne Butson about the issue
Earlier this week the City Rail Link reached a milestone, breaking through the end of its final tunnel.
The tunnel boring machine created space for the new rail system by breaking through fifteen metres of cement per day.
The machine was Named after Dame Whina Cooper, the Maori Rights activist who led the hikoi to parliament.
For this week’s segment of City Counselling, I had a chat with Shane Henderson about the City Rail Link milestone as well as the 2022 Mayoral conservation awards.
Earlier this month, the government outlined its plans for transport, including scrapping free public transport for children and half-price fares for young people under 25 by the end of next month.
News and Editorial Director, Jessica Hopkins, spoke to advocacy group, The Future is Rail Spokesperson, Suraya Sidhu Singh, about their opposition to this, as well as a collective protest action happening tomorrow, calling on the government to centre transport in planning and funding.
She started off the interview asking Singh for their thoughts on the government’s transport plans.
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